An Upstate man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after admitting he tried to kill his ex-girlfriend in June 2010.

Reginald Charles Sheftall, 23, of Simpsonville, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and violation of an order of protection.

Advertisement

The crimes occurred June 9, 2010 when Sheftall forced his way into the Boiling Springs apartment of his ex-girlfriend Britney Miller, 24.

Miller told deputies Sheftall forced his way into the home and started an altercation over the couples child.

Once inside the home, Sheftall pulled out a handgun and shot Miller in her shoulder. Miller tried to defend herself by hitting Sheftall with a car seat while the child watched a from a nearby baby seat.

Sheftall shot Miller a second time as she grabbed the child and ran from the apartment. Once outside, Miller yelled for neighbors to call 911.

Miller was treated at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for gunshot wounds to her shoulder and the back of her neck.

Sheftall ran from the crime scene after the shooting and was arrested 10 days later.

The 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office said the violence capped months of problems between Sheftall and Miller.

Miller obtained an order of protection against Sheftall in January of 2010. Sheftall was arrested four months later in Florence County on kidnapping and violation of an order of protection charges.

This case is a graphic example of the danger of domestic violence, Solicitor Barry Barnette said. Britney Miller demonstrated great strength and courage when she fended off the defendants attack and protected her child.

The solicitor's office said Sheftall will have to serve 80 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for release.